In 2025, Pickens appeared in all 17 games and posted eye-catching numbers: 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 15.4 yards per catch. At 24 years old, he’s just beginning to hit his prime, establishing himself as a true No. 1 WR alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Torry Holt made his stance clear on the Up & Adams Show, telling Dallas to retain Pickens and not let him walk in free agency. The message underscored how integral Pickens was to the Cowboys’ elite offense last season and the potential impact of losing him.
Dallas faces a strategic fork between using the franchise tag or negotiating a longer-term deal with Pickens. The team also enjoys financial flexibility this offseason, aided by an extra first-round pick acquired in the Parsons trade and a broader cap outlook, which could enable aggressive moves to upgrade the roster.
Defensively, Dallas has targeted improvements, particularly on the pass rush and in the secondary. The franchise is positioned to pursue impactful additions while trying to keep Pickens in town, aiming to balance a potent offense with a more competitive perimeter and improved pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ offseason plan centers on retaining Pickens and addressing defensive gaps in order to contend for a Super Bowl. With Pickens under contract and additional draft capital to land disruptive defenders, Dallas hopes to sustain its offense while strengthening the unit that can tilt playoff runs in their favor.
